Pharmacology & Co-Occurring Disorders Flashcards
7 cards from real CASAC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pharmacology & Co-Occurring Disorders flashcards as text
A client on buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) reports that the medication 'doesn't work' when injected. What property of naloxone explains this?
Answer: Naloxone precipitates withdrawal only via injection due to its parenteral bioavailability
Naloxone has poor sublingual bioavailability but becomes active parenterally, precipitating withdrawal if Suboxone is injected, thereby deterring misuse.
Which psychiatric disorder is MOST commonly co-occurring with alcohol use disorder in clinical populations?
Answer: Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder is the most prevalent co-occurring psychiatric condition among individuals with alcohol use disorder.
A client with opioid use disorder is also prescribed clonidine. What is the PRIMARY clinical use of clonidine in this context?
Answer: To manage autonomic symptoms of opioid withdrawal
Clonidine, an alpha-2 agonist, reduces noradrenergic hyperactivity and manages autonomic withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) works by inhibiting which enzyme?
Answer: Aldehyde dehydrogenase
Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde accumulation when alcohol is consumed, producing an aversive flushing reaction.
A client with bipolar disorder and stimulant use disorder reports their mood stabilizer 'stopped working.' Which phenomenon should the counselor consider?
Answer: Stimulant use interfering with sleep and mood regulation, mimicking medication failure
Stimulant use causes sleep disruption and neurochemical dysregulation that can destabilize mood, making mood stabilizers appear ineffective.
Which of the following is a benzodiazepine with a long half-life often used for alcohol detoxification due to self-tapering properties?
Answer: Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Chlordiazepoxide has a long half-life and active metabolites, providing a gradual self-taper that reduces the risk of breakthrough withdrawal seizures.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) from alcohol commonly includes which symptom cluster that can persist for months?
Answer: Anxiety, sleep disturbance, and cognitive difficulties
PAWS after alcohol cessation is characterized by protracted anxiety, sleep dysregulation, and cognitive impairment that may persist 6–24 months.